Price Paid:  $413.00 from Local Dealer

Summary:
This SS-800 Bi-wire MK II was a big surprise to me. I could not afford to buy their top of the line SS-1000 Bi-wire MK II so I settled for the lower priced one ($100.00 plus) less. Why was I surprised? Because it sounded exactly like the top of the line SS-1000 Bi-wire MK II which I was also auditioning at the time, taking advantage of their 45 day trial period. They are both super cables but how could this be, that they sound the same. My friend who has listened to both in my system agrees. A quick check at their web site tells all: “These differences however are almost impossible to detect in short runs (6 feet to 15 feet). Length requirements longer than 15 feet are best accomplished with the SS-1000 Bi-wire MK II because of its larger gauge; 10 vs. 12. Because of their near identical performance, the SS-800 Bi-wire Mk II is a real bargain.” I agree with their web site; it is a real bargain and an outstanding cable.

How does it sound? Wonderfully Transparent. The harmonics are unimpeded and accurate. Detailed but not etched. I hear things on my recordings now that were never revealed before. Mostly, it is musical and a pleasure to listen to. It is so clean and neutral that I am able to listen to my music through it for hours with out any fatigue. Again I must say, quite a bargain at that price.

I will be sending back the more expensive SS-1000 MK II cable and keep the SS-800 Bi-wire MK II cable

I will also send back the MIT Shotgun S2 Bi-wire cable I have also been auditioning. It is quite pricey and is no match for either of the LAT International cables

Strengths:
Great transparency, super accurate harmonics, very quite background and enjoyably musical

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
MIT Shotgun S2 Bi-wire cable